Alamo Rental at Port

[carolina_yankee]

I'm weighing using Happy Limo for round trip transfer WDW/PC or one-way and then renting a car for return and the following week at WDW. I've snagged an Alamo rate that is about 10% more than the return leg of the car service with tip, so it makes sense.

I'm generally OK with Disney transportation so the hassle of renting at the port will be factored into my decision. Essentially, I want to get going.

So, here are my questions:

• About how long would I expect to wait for a shuttle at the port to Alamo around 9:00 am, and then in line at Alamo? (Can't believe they don't have the self-check-in rental system!)
• If I go by myself, could I leave my partner with the luggage at the port and then come back and pick him up? Where would he wait and are there restrooms available to those waiting for a pick-up if they drink too much coffee and I'm gone awhile.
• We will be getting off the ship with friends who drove. Would it make sense for them to drop me (or both of us, depending on if we can get all luggage and people in the car) off at Alamo to avoid the shuttle?

Thanks!

Dirk

 

[OffToDWD]

We rented a car from Alamo after our cruise (last month). We didn't have to wait for the shuttle. It was there waiting when we got off the ship around 9am. The whole family got on right away and when we got to the rental office, there was no line. The whole process was a breeze. Not sure if we just lucked out.

 

[jrabbit]

We rented a car from Alamo after our cruise (last month). We didn't have to wait for the shuttle. It was there waiting when we got off the ship around 9am. The whole family got on right away and when we got to the rental office, there was no line. The whole process was a breeze. Not sure if we just lucked out.

This was our experience as well a year or so ago. But we rented from Enterprise. Or you could from National. "Same Company" - well same Parent Company at least. Different Target Markets ...

 

[mmouse37]

I would have my friends drop me off...it is only about 2 or 3 miles away. We have had no wait and times where there was a wait. It really is just hit or miss. As far as restrooms...I honestly can't remember if they allow you back in to the terminal (downstairs) for restroom use but I sort of doubt it. I do know there are restrooms in the parking garage which would be across the roadway from where your friend would be waiting so not too far. And yes, you could come back and pick him up...it would be in the area where people are being dropped for for the next cruise. The parking garage is right across from this roadway.



MJ

 

[Capt_BJ]

a lot depends on the day of the week ... the port load for that day.

Some days DCL is the only ship turning around and no problems. Other days several big ships turning around and the probability of 'issues' goes up.

You can check your day here: https://www.portcanaveral.com/PortCanaveral/media/Cruise-Assets/FY2017/Master-Cruise-Schedule.pdf

so far as partner waiting .. both got cell phones? You don't have to leave the ship together. One go get the car and call the other when returning to the terminal .... just do your own forms for customs etc.

p.s. Nat/Ent/Alamo moved a while back and are now IN the port ... you can see the ship from the office. BUT because no foot traffic is allowed on the draw bridge you can't walk .... office is just west of 'the Tower'

 

[carolina_yankee]

Appreciate the tips and experience below. Just ran the budget, which showed the car rental rate I got will save me enough to justify the logistics (and give me more transportation freedom/control/choices at WDW). Nothing like a spreadsheet to put a dagger in the heart when planning cruise expenses!

Now I have to decide if it's worth saving another $100 to cancel the car service altogether and simply take the DCL transfer from SSR to the port. Are those extra 2-3 hours on the ship really worth $100 (especially since this our 3rd cruise, 2nd on the Fantasy)? And, we would have a leisurely resort morning after being out late at AK the night before. Hmmm . . . . I know - I alone can answer that question!!

a lot depends on the day of the week ... the port load for that day.

Some days DCL is the only ship turning around and no problems. Other days several big ships turning around and the probability of 'issues' goes up.

You can check your day here: https://www.portcanaveral.com/PortCanaveral/media/Cruise-Assets/FY2017/Master-Cruise-Schedule.pdf

so far as partner waiting .. both got cell phones? You don't have to leave the ship together. One go get the car and call the other when returning to the terminal .... just do your own forms for customs etc.

Good point about loads - I neglected to add that information.

We're on the Fantasy: 4/22 - 4/29.

Good news based on your link - It's a 2 ship day on 4/29, so likely fairly light, and with Fantasy going into dry-dock, the Carnival Magic is the only departing ship so not likely to smash into early-bird DIS cruisers jamming the car lot!

Fascinating news based on your link - the Queen Victoria were be docked on 4/22, our departure day! A contest of elegance will be had on our sail-date.

We rented a car from Alamo after our cruise (last month). We didn't have to wait for the shuttle. It was there waiting when we got off the ship around 9am. The whole family got on right away and when we got to the rental office, there was no line. The whole process was a breeze. Not sure if we just lucked out.

Encouraging!

This was our experience as well a year or so ago. But we rented from Enterprise. Or you could from National. "Same Company" - well same Parent Company at least. Different Target Markets ...

We'll be renting from Alamo since that's the best rate we get through Costco. At least there should be plenty of inventory.

I would have my friends drop me off...it is only about 2 or 3 miles away. We have had no wait and times where there was a wait. It really is just hit or miss. As far as restrooms...I honestly can't remember if they allow you back in to the terminal (downstairs) for restroom use but I sort of doubt it. I do know there are restrooms in the parking garage which would be across the roadway from where your friend would be waiting so not too far. And yes, you could come back and pick him up...it would be in the area where people are being dropped for for the next cruise. The parking garage is right across from this roadway.

View attachment 229065

MJ

Thanks for the pic, which jogged my memory - I vaguely recall exterior restrooms on the baggage drop off side last time we drove to the port for a cruise (though it was in 2012). It's probably better for him to take the shuttle with me, especially if it isn't likely to be a problem, just so I don't have to make it back to the terminal before heading to WDW.

Dirk